Another company is targeting residents of Livingston County, trying to con them out of exorbitant fees for legal documents that are much cheaper at the courthouse. Sheriff Steve Cox is passing on the residents the warnings from County Assessor Steve Ripley and Recorder of Deeds Kelly Christopher.

Cox says local citizens contacted Christopher about a private company’s offer to provide copies of deeds and property assessment profiles to home owners for an excessive fee.

The California-based company has mailed the offer to residents across Livingston County. The Recorders’ and Assessors’ Associations of Missouri have previously contacted the Missouri Attorney General’s office regarding these type of offers from companies.

Property owners in the area have received a letter offering a copy of their grant deed and property assessment profile for $83.00 or more. These companies simply contact local offices to obtain the documents then turn around and mail it to the homeowner while charging them the higher fees. Christopher said most property owners obtain their original property deed when their property is purchased. If additional copies are needed, they may be obtained directly from the County, where the fees are $1 per page. Most property deeds are no more than one or two pages long. Property assessment information is available for 25₵ per copy.

“I am concerned about companies trying to take advantage of our citizens by not being truthful. If anyone receives one of these letters and would like a copy of their deed or assessment information, I urge them to ignore it and contact the Recorder’s or Assessor’s Office”, Christopher said.

For information or to obtain a copy of your property deed or assessment information, you may visit the Livingston County Courthouse at 700 Webster St., Chillicothe, Mo, or call the Recorder’s Office at (660) 646-8000 ext 6 or the Assessor’s Office at (660) 646-8000 ext 2.